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Northwood University Florida students recently had the opportunity to gain first-hand knowledge regarding the election process as Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections Susan Bucher shared insight.

While detailing the Palm Beach County voting process and sharing specifics relating to the confusion of the famous butterfly ballot debacle of 2000, Bucher candidly stressed the importance of a fair and impartial election while emphasizing the value of integrity and precision in the midst of mounting media pressure.

"Ms. Bucher was so dynamic that several students remained in the classroom for 45 minutes after the class ended just to continue to dialog with her," said Justice Ira J. Raab (Retired), Adjunct Professor of American Government.

With various class speakers and field trips included as part of its curriculum, Northwood University's American Government classes examine the structure, philosophy, accomplishments and failings of the American government system, enabling students to examine and analyze why the American political system operates as it does, who wins and who loses in the process and why the system endures.

Susan Bucher was first elected to the Florida House in 2000 and was term limited out in 2008. She ran successfully for Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections in 2008 and has been re-elected subsequently.

Ballot design can aid or inhibit clarity in an election. Poor designs lead to confusion and potential chaos if large numbers of voters spoil or mismark a ballot. The butterfly ballot used in the Florida U.S. presidential election, 2000 (a ballot paper that has names down both sides, with a single column of punch holes in the center), has been likened to a maze led to widespread allegations of mismarked ballots.